A blocked sewer drain is one of the most frequent plumbing issues that people in every part of the world experience daily. It pays to be prepared to cope with a blockage because they might happen when you least expect them to.
Also, a clogged drain is one of the most frequent causes of calling a professional drain cleaner. Blocked sinks are the source of various small issues, including offensive odors and water that simply won’t drain. However, if these problems are allowed to worsen, life can rapidly turn into a nightmare.
If obstructions are not removed, water may spill from your drains and cause damage to your house or place of business. A broken, blocked sewer pipe can necessitate even more expensive repairs.
Before we jump into the tips to unclog drains, it is important to find the cause. Here are some of the common reasons behind blocked sewer drains
Causes of Blocked Sewer Drain
A backed-up sewer line may result from:
Branch Roots
Most sewage line clogs are caused by tree roots, especially in older homes. Tree roots penetrate the pipes through any microscopic fractures or loose joints they can discover because they are drawn to the warmth and moisture provided by sewer lines.
The roots spread out and clog the sewer line by feeding on the abundant nutrients they find there. Over time, the modest mountain of garbage that tree roots initially turned into a sewer line becomes much larger.
Grease, Oil, and Fats
Fats, oil, and grease, also referred to as FOG in the plumbing industry, can occasionally cause a clogged sewer system. Many individuals throw these chemicals down the toilet without giving them a second thought since they appear liquid when hot.
Foreign Substances
A sewage line blockage can be brought on by tampons, pads, diapers, paper towels, facial tissues, baby wipes, and even extra-thick toilet paper getting caught in your pipes and gathering debris.
Plumbing Problems and Outdated Sewer Pipes
Your sewer pipes will surely acquire cracks and breaks if you reside in an older home and have not changed your piping system, resulting in complete piping system collapse. If the plumbing connections are constructed incorrectly, a sewer line clog may occur even if your property has a more modern piping system.
How Do you Identify If Sewer Drain is Blocked?
A clogged sewage line is not always indicated by a single, slowly flushing toilet or slowly flowing drain. Typically, all your home’s drains—especially the toilets—will experience issues. The porcelain throne reigns supreme when it comes to a clogged sewer system. Here are some of the things that would signify a blocked sewer drain.
Gurgling Noise
You may have a clogged sewage line if your toilet is making any gurgling, gargling, or glugging noises.
Unpleasant Odors
If the scent from your drains is abnormal, you may have a plugged sewer line.
Slow-Running Drain
Your home’s low water pressure and numerous slow-moving drains are other signs of a sewer line problem.
Water In Unusual Locations
Pay attention to our fountain of wisdom: it may indicate that your sewage line is clogged if you have a fountain of water gushing from your shower head while using the washing machine or water rising in the tub when flushing the toilet.
6Tips to Fix Blocked Sewer Drain
Here are quick six tips to help you fix your blocked sewer drain:
#1. DIY Drain Snake
Any thin metal wire from a coat hanger can be used to create a DIY drain snake. Leave a hook on the snake’s end, then insert it through the plughole. Try using it for fishing out hair-based clogs in your neighborhood.
#2. Plumbers Drain Snake
Drain snakes for plumbers are sophisticated gadgets that experts should only use. They can clear obstructions far inside the system by going deeper into your pipes. These tools are often saved for stubborn clogs within the scope of standard solutions.
#3. CCTV
CCTV can be used to locate the obstruction and determine its extent when snaking is ineffective. This often entails installing a camera and a device resembling a drain snake.
#4. Hydro Jet
Hydro jets employ powerful and precise bursts of water to flush out particles and other materials from pipes. Even though we occasionally need to combine this method with other drain obstruction removal procedures, it is a reliable way to solve most issues.
#5. Excavation
Excavation is required in cases of severe drain blockages. Digging must be done around the drain to replace or repair some pipes. Although this method isn’t always required, it can prevent serious damage to the remainder of your plumbing.
#6. Pipe Relining
Pipe relining is a quick and affordable substitute for complete pipe replacement when your pipes are damaged due to a persistent obstruction. After removing the problematic obstruction, we reline the pipe using flexible tools and resin.
Final Thoughts
There are several causes of blocked drains. Some are obvious, while others you might not even consider. Try utilizing any of the recommended home treatments if you hear gurgling sounds, your drains are emptying slowly, or you smell something unpleasant. It’s time to contact a plumber if you cannot fix blocked sewer drain on your own.
